Mike Rounds on Immigration

Republican SD Governor

Border security first, then a limited path to citizenship

The two of them both say the US needs to improve its border security and provide illegal immigrants some form of path to citizenship, but there's a lot of daylight between Rounds and Weiland.

Rounds says border security has to come first, to be
completed before a path to citizenship for immigrants here illegally can begin. "After the borders are secure, create a new line for immigrants to enter," Rounds said, with plenty of preconditions and limitations. "Illegal aliens should not be allowed
to apply for citizenship until after other individuals have the opportunity first," he said. "They should start paying taxes, they should also have to register. Once other individuals have entered the line, perhaps 10 to 15 years from now, they may also
apply for citizenship. This is not amnesty. They should be eligible for benefits during this 15 year time period."

Weiland, on the other hand, said there's no reason why border security and a path to citizenship can't proceed at the same time.